Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Dynamics Of Informal Institutions And Counter-Hegemony: Introducing A Brics Convergence Index, Mihaela Papa, Zhen 'Arc' Han, Frank O'Donnell

Political Science & Global Affairs Faculty Publications

Informal institutions are important platforms for renegotiating global governance, but there is disagreement on how they operate and challenge the United States (US). Realists view some informal institutions like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) as counter-hegemonic entities, while rational institutionalists focus on their structure and performance in specific areas. However, neither approach explains the internal dynamics that make these institutions robust and potentially counter-hegemonic. To fill this gap, we first develop a new convergence approach for analysing informal institutional dynamics, and then we apply this approach to examine BRICS robustness and BRICS–US relations. Our BRICS Convergence Index …

The Risk Of Climate Change And Extreme Weather, Steven Michels Ed.

Political Science & Global Affairs Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Institute For Public Policy & Civic Engagement Nationwide Survey, Institute For Public Policy & Civic Engagement

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy & Civic Engagement leveraged a quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Awareness of Healthcare Sustainability, Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Education, and Social Justice
• Personal alignment with Sacred Heart University’s definition for each sustainability concept
• Perceived importance and benefit of each sustainability concept
• Perceived impact on society and the community
• Demographic profile of respondents

Leadership And Performance In Informal Institutions: The Internal Dynamics Of Brics, Zhen 'Arc' Han, Mihaela Papa

Political Science & Global Affairs Faculty Publications

How does leadership affect the performance of informal institutions? Leadership in BRICS is particularly puzzling: this informal institution rapidly grows despite the disparate interests of its members, some of which are in longstanding conflict. This article examines how three forms of leadership – intellectual, entrepreneurial, and structural – affect institutional performance using BRICS cooperation data. It demonstrates the importance of intellectual leadership, particularly in strategically framing the cooperation problem in a way that creates mutual gains, as essential for realising collective outcomes in informal institutions. Collective action is catalyzed through the interplay of the three leadership forms. However, the activating …

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - March 2022, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a digital quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Calculate insight on National Politics
• Determine movement in Connecticut Politics
• Quantify Sentiment for President Joe Biden
• Measure support of President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown
• Understand CT residents’ thoughts regarding taxes and mill rates in the state
• Gauge sentiments pertaining to the crisis in Ukraine
• Ascertain levels of trust placed in health & financial institutions, government and news sources
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - January 2022, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts and beliefs regarding the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot
• Sentiments surrounding the U.S. Supreme Court
• Understanding of, and beliefs around, Critical Race Theory
• Sentiments and habits around charitable contributions
• Thoughts on school policies regarding transgender students
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Brazilian Alliance Perspectives: Towards A Brics Development–Security Alliance?, Zhen 'Arc' Han, Mihaela Papa

Political Science & Global Affairs Faculty Publications

Scholars studying BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have traditionally argued that it is a development-focused partnership and not a military/security-based alliance. Yet BRICS members have been deepening their security integration, and Russia and China have been creating an alliance in the background. Although BRICS middle powers have traditionally demonstrated an aversion towards alliances, Brazil actively deepened security cooperation among BRICS members during its BRICS presidency in 2019. How does Brazil view alliances in contemporary power competition? This study examines Brazil’s perceptions by introducing and analysing a new data set of Brazilian expert discourses on alliances since 1990 …

Institute For Public Policy Statewide Poll - October 2021, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a digital methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings
• Sentiments and habits around volunteerism and donating to charities
• Understanding of, and beliefs around, Critical Race Theory
• Voting plans for 2021 Connecticut Municipal elections
• Thoughts on COVID-19, mask mandates and distribution of the vaccine
• Changes in marijuana attitudes and usage after legalization
• Thoughts on school policies around transgender students
• Thoughts on incentives for energy-efficient natural gas heating
• Demographic profiles of respondents.

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - July 2021, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on overall quality of life
• President Joe Biden’s job approval ratings
• Sentiments regarding COVID-19 and distribution of the vaccine
• Thoughts on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Concerns around national security
• Level of trust in the media, government organizations, and corporations
• Sentiment regarding renewable energy initiatives
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - May 2021, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings
• Sentiment regarding the legalization of Marijuana
• Thoughts on COVID-19 and distribution of the vaccine
• Thoughts on public health insurance in Connecticut
• Thoughts on current Connecticut state-funded pensions
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - April 2021, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings
• Sentiment regarding the legalization of Marijuana
• Thoughts on COVID-19 and distribution of the vaccine
• Thoughts on public health insurance in Connecticut
• Thoughts on current Connecticut state-funded pensions
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - February 2021, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings
• Sentiment regarding the legalization of Marijuana
• Thoughts on COVID-19 and the distribution of the vaccine
• Thoughts on public health insurance in Connecticut
• Thoughts on COVID-19 distribution
• Thoughts on current Connecticut state-funded pensions
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - October 2020, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings
• President Donald Trump's job approval ratings
• Voting preference in the presidential election
• Thoughts on filling the supreme court vacancy
• The effect of COVID-19 on mental health and finances
• Plans to take the COVID-19 vaccine when available
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - April 2020, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

No abstract provided.

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - March 2020, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings
• Awareness of Lamont’s new transportation proposal
• Opinions toward the legalization of recreational marijuana in the State
• Awareness of and opinions with the proposed Clean Slate Legislation
• Ranking of 2020 Presidential election candidates
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - January 2020, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings
• Awareness of Lamont’s new transportation proposal
• Opinions toward the implementation of a truck-only tolling system
• Perceptions of utility prices in Connecticut
• Opinions regarding an Economic Development Charge
• Perceptions of the strength of Connecticut’s economy
• Awareness of and opinions with impeachment hearings
• Ranking of 2020 Presidential election candidates
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - October 2019, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

Sacred Heart University’s Institute for Public Policy and the Hartford Courant are collaborating in partnership with GreatBlue Research to analyze salient issues facing the State of Connecticut. This collaboration combines the academic excellence of a top-rated private University and the integrity and professionalism of a national newspaper with the research design, analysis and reporting expertise of GreatBlue Research.

• 10/9/19: Biden Leading Democratic Field in CT, Polling Well Ahead of Trump in 2020 Race
• 10/10/19: Poll Gives CT Governor Lamont Mixed Reviews

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - March 2019, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged quantitative research through a dual-metholodology to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Challenges facing the State and State Legislature
• Opinions toward the implementation of electronic tolling or "e-tolling" in the State
• Perceptions of school safety issues in the State
• Opinions on e-cigarettes
• Perceptions of housing issues facing the State and affordable housing options
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Martin Van Buren: Forgotten But Not Deserted, Morgan O'Brien

Writing Across the Curriculum

The eighth president of the United States of America was none other than President Martin van Buren. “Old Kinderhook” is one of the most overlooked presidents, but he deserves to be remembered for his influence over our political system.

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - November 2018, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Hearst Connecticut Media Group & Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged quantitative research through a telephonic methodology to address the following areas of investigation:

• Voter preferences regarding the 2018 CT Gubernatorial Race
• Voter preferences regarding the 2018 election for the U.S. House of Representatives
• Impressions of Democratic and Republic Candidates for Governor
• Presidential Job Approval
• Gubernatorial Job Approval
• Issues facing the State of Connecticut
• Demographic profiles of respondents

The Role Of Institutions, Islamism, And Militaries In The Outcomes Of The Arab Spring: The Cases Of Tunisia, Egypt, And Syria, Olivia Delmonico

Sacred Heart University Scholar

During the Arab Spring in 2011, much of the Middle Eastern world faced a series of uprisings demanding democracy and equality. Most of these attempts at revolution desperately failed, with some nations faring far worse than before. Some, however, remain more stable than others, with Tunisia being the sole full success. This article delves into the varying causes of the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, and Syria. These countries respectively represent the good, the bad, and the ugly outcomes of the Arab Spring.

Through a thorough analysis of other literature on the subject, I conclude that the success of modern Arab …

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - September 2018, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Hearst Connecticut Media Group & Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged quantitative research through a telephonic methodology to address the following areas of investigation:

• Voter preferences regarding the 2018 CT Gubernatorial Race
• Voter preferences regarding the 2018 election for the U.S. House of Representatives
• Impressions of Democratic and Republic Candidates for Governor
• Presidential Job Approval
• Gubernatorial Job Approval
• Issues facing the State of Connecticut
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - August 2018, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged quantitative research through a telephonic methodology to address the following areas of investigation:

• Voter preferences regarding the 2018 CT Gubernatorial Race
• Voter preferences regarding the 2018 election for the U.S. House of Representatives
• Impressions of Democratic and Republic Candidates for Governor
• Presidential Job Approval
• Gubernatorial Job Approval
• Issues facing the State of Connecticut
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Citizens United V. Federal Election Commission, And The Inherent Unfairness To The “Un-United” American Citizen, Christopher J. Kantor

Writing Across the Curriculum

Among contemporary United States Supreme Court rulings that have impacted the structure of our nation, the 2010 case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission resulted in significant political campaign finance reform that gave rise to an election system influenced by money, corporations, and powerful individuals. The ruling of Citizens United allows for the unlimited spending of corporations and labor unions on political expenditures and the limited disclosures of these campaign donors. This overturned precedent established in the 1990 case Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the 2003 case McConnell v. Federal Election Commission, the respective rulings of which …

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - April 2018, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged quantitative research through a dual-methodology to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Quality of public education in the State of Connecticut
• Adequacy of public school funding in the State
• Perceptions of school safety in public schools
• Awareness of and support for the "Common Core State Standards Initiative"
• Support or opposition for the formation of charter schools and increased funds for charter schools in Connecticut
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - January 2018, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged quantitative research through a multi-mode methodology to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Satisfaction with the resolution of the State's budget crisis
• Opinions of how the State might continue to improve this budget crisis
• Thoughts on the State of Connecticut's economy and areas for improvement
• Support of the nonprofit sector and charitable organizations
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Institute For Public Policy National Poll - October 2017, Institute For Public Policy

Public Policy Poll Results

The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a quantitative research methodology to address the following areas of investigation:

• Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut
• Awareness of Connecticut's current budget crisis
• Visions of how the state might solve this budget crisis
• Ideas for how Connecticut can become more business friendly
• Concerns over Connecticut's energy prices
• Confidence in federal, state and town governments' ability to address various issues throughout Connecticut
• Awareness of NFL player protests and thoughts on athlete protests during football games
• Demographic profiles of respondents

Justice Without Solidarity? Collective Identity And The Fate Of The "Ethical" In Habermas' Recent Political Theory, Andrew J. Pierce

Presidential Seminar on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition

No abstract provided.

Goodbye To Europe And Hello To Asia: The New Imperialism Of “Chindia” In Africa, Sybil Gelin (Class Of 2014)

Writing Across the Curriculum

In 2006, the Chinese government released its first ever Africa policy paper. In the document, the government of China announced its plans to forge a strong and enduring relationship with Africa on the basis of four ideals: mutual tolerance despite differing ideologies, cooperation in international politics, economic intercourse predicated upon fairness, and observance of Africa’s right to choose its own path to economic development.[1] This document, along with the third Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (or FOCAC) (at which more than forty-five African leaders gathered to discuss the future of China-Africa relations), served as a springboard for future Chinese engagement …

Electoral Competition In Connecticut's State House Races: The Trial Run Of The Citizens' Election Program, Lesley A. Denardis

Political Science & Global Affairs Faculty Publications

The Citizens Election Fund, Connecticut's version of a clean elections law, was established in 2005 in the wake of the corruption scandal during the administration of Governor John Rowland. Modeled after the public financing systems of Maine and Arizona, Connecticut's law has been touted as the most comprehensive in the nation. This paper will address whether the introduction of the Citizens' Election Program has increased the level of electoral competition by specifically focusing on state house seats in Connecticut during the 2008 and 2010 election cycles. Contestation for seats in the Connecticut General Assembly is a particularly salient issue due …